Salt Cod and Tomato Soup

Ingredients

3 cups shredded salt cod (about 2 pound of fillets)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
6 cups chopped ripe tomatoes
1 tablespoons. chopped garlic
2 quarts chicken stock or light broth
1/2 chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped black olives
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Salt cod fillets, skinned, boned, blanched, and slightly salted, are sold pre-packed. They need to be washed thoroughly under cold tap water. Then soak them in a bowl of cold water for 12-24 hours depending on the size, changing the water several times. Drain the water and place in a pan with fresh water and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Drain and shred into small pieces.

Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onions, cook for 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and garlic, cook for 3 minutes. Add the stock, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Puree the base until smooth. Place it back on the heat, and add the salt cod, parsley, and olives. Adjust the seasonings, and serve.

Yield: 8-10 portions